Kenyan Manufactures want Sh10billion edible oil scandal explored

By Monica Muema

The Kenya Association of Manufacturers Friday called on investigative agencies to explore the case surrounding Sh10billion edible oils saga.

“We ask that these allegations be urgently investigated and the required standards upheld in order to safeguard the health and safety of consumers in the country,” reads a statement from KAM which was addressed Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Cooperatives, Mr Peter Munya and his Interior counterpart Fred Matiang’i.

Previous reports have indicated that the released edible oil lacks the required fortification, and have raised the issue with the storage of the oil at the port for a long period of time, which may have compromised its quality.

“We all look forward to the swift and urgent resolution of this matter towards securing the health and safety of the nation, and to curtail similar incidences that may want to take advantage of this situation in the future.”

The Government of Kenya, through the fortification standards, requires that all edible oils imported or sold in the country be fortified with vitamin A to correct or prevent a demonstrated micronutrient deficiency.

Earlier this week, the National Assembly Committee on Trade stopped the release of the 503 containers of edible oil imported into the country last year.

The Kanini Kega-led committee said Kenya Bureau of Standards last year declared the oil, imported from Asian countries, unfit for consumption as it did not have Vitamin A.

On August 1, Trade CS Peter Munya, ordered the release of the consignment into the local market. He issued a waiver to the importers.

Munya stood firm on the decision to release the controversial Sh10 billion worth of edible oils, saying the decision was reached by a multi-agency team, including the Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI).